Run in the Beautiful Côte d’Azur
Experience Something Truly Exceptional
This marathon is a chance to discover the stunning Gulf of Saint-Tropez in a whole new way. The route takes you along the gulf through postcard-image towns and the breathtaking scenery of the area.
We ran the 5th edition of this marathon on March 24, 2024. Besides taking on the challenge and enjoying this beautiful area of France’s Côte d’Azur, we ran this race to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in the south of France on August 15, 1944.
The race starts at the small port village of Sainte-Maxime and runs along the sea for about four miles before heading inland toward the town of Grimaud. Before reaching the town, it makes a u-turn to go back toward the sea to Port-Grimaud and then heads east toward Saint-Tropez.
The course takes you through the heart of Saint-Tropez to the old port where million-dollar yachts are parked. Once it reaches the lighthouse, which the locals “la bougie” (the candle), the course doubles back to leave town on its southern side.
Now you run past olive trees and vineyards for several miles. Around mile 15, the course goes by the Plages des Debarquemant near Ramatuelle. These are the beaches where the US 7th Army of Gen. Alexander Patch landed on August 15, 1944, to begin the invasion of Southern France.
Now begin the hardest three miles of the race. The road climbs through the Col de Collebasse for an elevation gain of about 120m or 360 feet. Once you reach the summit, you face a challenge of a different kind. A steep downhill path takes you down to the sea level for the next mile and a half. Once the course reaches the Plage to Gigaro, you run mostly along the beach for the last 3-4 miles until you reach the port town of Cavailare-sur-Mer and the finish line of the Marathon.
It’s time now to start the recovery with the slice of Torte de Saint-Tropez that is offered to each finisher!
Visit the organizers website if you are interested to participate in this race.
Our Media Gallery
See below a few videos and pictures from our participation in the Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez, March 24, 2024.
